After returning from a victorious battle, the female general Li Chang'an is proposed to by the Regent within days! "General! It's bad! The Regent has blocked our gates with betrothal gi...
Upon hearing this, Bai Yuanshan couldn't help but sneer disdainfully: "Your Highness, are you trying to use this excuse to get by? If you don't understand, why not just humbly ask us for guidance instead of putting on a show?"
These words successfully enraged Li Chang'an. She turned her head coldly to look at Bai Yuanshan, and the chilling coldness in her eyes made people feel as if they had fallen into an ice cellar.
I really don't understand why this old man is always so relentlessly pursuing me!
"Your Excellency is far too arrogant! If you think you're so good at reading people's minds, why don't you go to the capital and tell fortunes? You're sure to become famous in the future!"
Li Chang'an's words were truly powerful, leaving Bai Yuanshan speechless, his old face turning red and then pale.
After saying that, Li Chang'an snorted coldly and turned his face away, not wanting to look at him anymore.
Actually, Li Chang'an wasn't always speechless when Bai Yuanshan made things difficult for her; she just felt it beneath her to argue with someone old enough to be her grandfather.
But who knew that this old fox would become even more ruthless, making things difficult for him at every turn and opposing him at every step.
Li Chang'an felt that he had already been very tolerant and had given this old man a lot of face. Since the old man was not sensible, he shouldn't blame him for speaking bluntly.
After witnessing Li Chang'an's verbal attack, Feng Beichuan almost clapped his hands in approval. Looking at Bai Yuanshan's frustrated expression, he felt extremely pleased.
"Since Minister Bai is still puzzled, why don't we conduct an on-site inspection?"
Emperor Xingchang's eyes flickered, and he spoke up, promptly bringing the situation back on track.
Upon hearing this, Feng Beichuan narrowed his eyes slightly and then looked meaningfully at Emperor Xingchang on the dragon throne.
That move he made was incredibly risky!
"I believe Your Majesty's suggestion is excellent."
Bai Yuanshan nodded slightly, his voice firm and resonant.
"Chang'an, do you have any objections?"
Emperor Xingchang nodded slightly, then looked at Li Chang'an, whose face remained calm and composed.
"Okay, I accept."
Li Chang'an spoke calmly, seemingly fearless, fully aware of the two men's intentions and knowing that he had no choice but to accept it.
A fierce glint flashed in Bai Yuanshan's sharp eyes, and the contest between the two officially began.
Faced with a series of tricky questions, Li Chang'an remained calm and composed, and only began to speak eloquently after Bai Yuanshan had finished speaking.
Just a few days ago, she had consulted with Yi Yangshanren about these issues. While learning, Li Chang'an also incorporated some of his own views, so his answers were both reasonable and novel, which made Feng Beichuan, who was silently sweating for him, look at him with new respect.
He was initially worried that Li Chang'an might not be able to handle the situation, but now it seems that he had been worrying for nothing.
The more the two clashed, the uglier Bai Yuanshan's expression became. Li Chang'an's performance was clearly something he had never expected.
He originally intended to take this opportunity to suppress the other party and turn the tables, but he never expected that this woman would achieve such a high level of expertise in governing the country in such a short period of time!
"I have finished answering. Does Your Excellency have any further questions?"
After quoting extensively from classical texts to answer Bai Yuanshan's last question, Li Chang'an calmly asked another question, his tone revealing undisguised confidence.
Despite his deep resentment, Bai Yuanshan could only helplessly end the questioning in the end.
Seeing that Bai Yuanshan had already been defeated, Emperor Xingchang's face became more solemn. He then composed himself and put on a look of great surprise, saying, "Good! My son truly deserves to be called a pillar of the Shengnan Kingdom. He is proficient in both literature and martial arts, which is truly commendable!"
"Your Majesty flatters me. Since Chang'an has the opportunity to stand in the court and discuss national affairs with the ministers, he must study the way of governing the country diligently. However, I have only learned some basics now, and I will need to learn more from the Prime Minister and other officials in the future."
Although he received praise from Emperor Xingchang, Li Chang'an did not show any smugness on his face. On the contrary, he became even more humble.
As she spoke, she nodded slightly to Bai Yuanshan, whose face was ashen, and said, "Thank you for the test just now, Prime Minister."
Although Bai Yuanshan knew that Li Chang'an was deliberately mocking him, he had no choice but to put on a friendly face and be polite to her.
Emperor Xingchang's heart grew even heavier. Although he knew that what Li Chang'an had just said was just for show, he was still secretly alarmed by the formidable strength of the talented individuals behind Li Chang'an.
If we allow it to continue developing like this, it will likely lead to endless troubles in the future.
"Since that's the case, and all of you have witnessed Her Highness's abilities today, there's no need to harbor any doubts from now on. I also hope that you can all assist each other in the future."
After gathering his thoughts, Emperor Xingchang smiled dignifiedly and looked at the ministers below.
"Your Majesty's teachings will be followed."
The ministers all bowed and paid their respects, appearing to be very receptive to the lesson, but in reality, each had their own agenda.
Despite his deep disdain, Feng Beichuan still lazily bowed to Emperor Xingchang along with the others, then couldn't help but mutter under his breath with contempt, "What a pretentious old geezer!"
This remark was overheard by Li Chang'an, who was standing closest to him.
The woman's heart skipped a beat, and she tugged at the corners of her mouth, revealing a barely perceptible smile.
What an audacious fellow! He's not even afraid that if others hear what he said, he'll be accused of something in return.
After the morning court session ended, Bai Yuanshan, who had once again been defeated, left in anger after Xingchang departed.
"How was it? Your Highness, you certainly had a moment of triumph this time at court. How did you feel?"
As usual, Feng Beichuan approached Li Chang'an and started talking.
"I still have to thank you for today's matter."
The woman's attitude was different from her usual aloof demeanor; instead, it became much gentler.
Looking at Li Chang'an's delicate features, as gentle as a willow in spring, Feng Beichuan's heart stirred. He then smiled faintly, and his deep, beautiful eyes shone with a captivating light: "Why does Your Highness thank me?"
Li Chang'an naturally knew that this man's old habit of being glib had resurfaced, but he wasn't annoyed. He just smiled and didn't reply.
Of course, I should thank him. I thank him for dealing with these people on my behalf, for getting things done to this point, and for speaking up for me.
Alas! I'm afraid I'll never be able to repay this debt of gratitude!
The more Li Chang'an thought about it, the more melancholy he felt.